GRLife
GrassRoots.ng brings to you ‘Life Lessons’ by Cleopas Enwongo
One of my greatest fear as a teenager was having disagreements with my parents because I always assumed they had to have the overriding influence and final decision in my life but as I grew older, I realized that I had to assert myself and take responsibility for my life, whether or not my parents approved of my decisions.
—
Maybe it’s a parenting method in this society that makes us think otherwise, but there is absolutely nothing wrong in doing things your parents don’t agree with. It’s unhealthy to live life always tailored to their demands.
This is not only dangerous but immature. Conflicts should be embraced. Congratulations! You are your own person. It is human.
—
I have made my parents understand my boundaries and when they can interfere. It was not easy, sincerely, but I had to do that or I was always going to be under their control. First major fight was and is still my hair. Second fight was jewelries, adornments and clothing style.
Third fight was curfew and an unhealthy monitoring of my movements. If your parents are pastors, then this is a full time war.
—
I have had to sit down and talk with my mom, especially, on why she needs to understand and maybe accept my decisions as an adult without their influence. I put into perspective her worries and cares but I also don’t tow her line always. I also make allowances for their influence, sometimes we meet halfway or I go all the way to them or they come all the way to me. And sometimes no one moves. Fine.
—
One of the conversations we have also had is my choice of a partner. A little while ago, my mom started talking about tribal expectations etc.
I told her this, “if I feel convinced about a person and he loves me and brings me peace and happiness, I will not be asking for approval from anybody, just your acknowledgment and acceptance.
My kids will need a grandma and it’s only you I have. You need to trust my decision”. I understand bias and prejudices especially those influenced by religion, culture and tribe and how hard those can be to let go. But I also understand that the bulk of decision lies with me. I will never outsource this role.
—
My home church frowns at trousers and uncovering hair to worship, my mother holds on to those teachings dearly but we have both come to the point where she understands that these are superficial requirements, bearing no real effect on a relationship with God.
She covers her hair. I open mine. Life continues. I don’t run away from clashing interest with them. I feel happy saying this. Our love doesn’t diminish because we disagree or ‘fight’.
—
Interestingly, when I decided to branch out from my home church six years ago and find my own place of worship, my mother was alarmed. I simply told her, “when we get to heaven, attendance won’t be based on our denominations or tags”.
That settled everything. Yes, she was concerned but I also needed to come to my own spiritual growth as a person. Where I was, did not feed my journey.
—
I have friends of all shapes, sizes, ideologies, religious divide, and inclinations. I make my parents meet my friends as they are.
They don’t have to change their minds to accommodate their excesses, but they also accord me my dues in forging for myself people I draw near to. When I get burnt, they wait for me to learn my lesson.
—
Today is not about our parents but about me and you. Sometimes, you will need to be tough with your parents.
Their love and care can sometimes be overbearing and intrusive, but you can decide what to accept, what to negotiate and what to do away with it. Appeasing them always is to your detriment as an individual.
You are not their shadow or echo. You don’t have to inherit their bias or prejudice. Be your person. Start early.
—
If I bring a man who uses nose ring or wears dreadlocs to the house, my parents will shake their head first and maybe groan but they will understand that my decision is not light because I have brought us to the point where we can hold a conversation about my choice of a partner and what they look like without undermining my partner.
Regularly, I tell my folks, ‘your generation is not mine o’. We laugh about it but we understand the importance of that reminder.
—
Yes, seek approval from your parents where necessary, but draw the line or it will become so blurred and you end up living miserably or missing out on beautiful things because you wanted to appease their every expectation. Start early again.
Be loving and polite but be firm. They will over time accommodate your many differences. And if you make your mistakes, congratulations, you are human. Welcome to Earth.
Submitted by Cleopas Enwongo
The Friends of Regent Primary School (FORPS), Maitama, Abuja, has donated two manual boreholes to the Kogo II and Barangoni communities in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Chairperson of the Friends of Regent Primary School, Mrs. Salma Dahiru Muhammed, speaking at the commissioning of the boreholes which took place on Friday, 4th July 2025 in the two communities, described the project as a meaningful step in the group’s ongoing commitment to community development and social impacts.
“Access to clean water is a basic human necessity, yet it remains a challenge in many parts of Abuja. This initiative is aimed at providing sustainable potable water, thereby promoting better health, supporting development, and improving the living conditions of the beneficiary communities.
“These boreholes are testament and benefits of collective action and a shared vision and the attendant positive impacts,” she noted, while expressing gratitude to all donors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the projects, emphasizing that their generosity made the intervention possible. She reaffirmed the group’s dedication to continuing efforts to uplift underserved communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Headmaster of Regent Primary School, Mr. Shaun Stockden said that the borehole project was conceived and completed in just seven months. “We organize annual fundraisers that support impactful community projects, and we look forward to initiating more of such interventions.”
Vice Chairperson of the Friends of Regent Primary School, Mrs. Fiona Ewa recounted a viral video showing both people and animals sharing the same water source in some rural communities, an image that deeply moved the group to take action. “We knew something had to be done,” she said.
“Providing a clean, sustainable, and reliable source of drinking water can significantly improve hygiene and living standards of the people. Each borehole is estimated to supply up to 3,000 liters of water daily,” she said.
In appreciation, Chief Samuel Gimba of Kogo II and Mr. Timothy Yohana of Barangoni communities both in Bwari Area Council, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Regent Primary School and acknowledged the life changing nature of the donation, while pledging differently to maintain the facilities responsibly.
CampusLife
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
In a heartfelt celebration filled with joy, pride, and inspiration, Ms Pamela Iweze—renowned advocate and founder of Olivedoor Community CIC and the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF)—witnessed a deeply personal milestone as her daughter, Princess Christiana Adebisi a Classical trained Music Scholar from the famous London Music Fund, graduated from the prestigious Royal Alexandra and Albert School.
The graduation ceremony was a proud and emotional moment not only for the family but for a broader community that has watched Ms Iweze dedicate her life to advocating for children, empowering women, and building bridges of support between Nigeria and the UK. For the many who gathered—family, friends, and well-wishers from both sides of the Atlantic—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the fulfilment of a mother’s dream.
“It’s an incredible blessing to see my daughter achieve this milestone,” Ms Iweze shared emotionally. “Over the years, I’ve stood beside so many families celebrating their children’s growth. Today, I’m grateful to be the one celebrating mine.”
Princess Christiana’s achievement stands as a testament not only to her dedication but to the enduring value that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to bring to their host communities.
Her success adds to the growing number of Nigerian youths abroad who are making meaningful contributions—academically, socially, and professionally—putting Nigeria in a positive global spotlight.
This moment is also a powerful reminder of the intellectual excellence that Nigerians have long demonstrated across the world. It reinforces the importance of education, particularly for the girl child, and affirms that given the right support and encouragement, Nigerian girls can rise to the highest levels of academic and personal success.
For Ms Iweze, the occasion was more than a graduation—it was the embodiment of everything she has worked for: creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and promoting the importance of strong family and community values.
In a joint congratulatory message, Olivedoor Community CIC UK and PIKCF Nigeria commended Princess Christiana for exemplifying the very principles they stand for: excellence, integrity, and service.
Her journey, they noted, reflects the hope of a new generation of Nigerians shaping the future with courage and conviction.
As the celebrations continue, this milestone reminds us all that the empowerment of one child—especially a girl—can echo across nations, inspire communities, and transform futures.
Spotlight
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.
PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.
“We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.
PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.
FORPS Donates Boreholes to 2 Bwari Communities in Abuja
Nigeria Doesn’t Need Applause—It Needs Access
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
